Deadly Bird Flu Hits Flock In NJ's 2nd Confirmed Set Of Cases In 2022

WARREN COUNTY, NJ — The avian flu spread to a backyard duck flock in Warren County, putting owners of domestic flocks in the state on notice. This marks the second confirmation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a New Jersey domestic flock this year.

The National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed the disease's presence Thursday. Officials believe the avian flu spread through wild birds, which tested positive for the disease after being found dead on the property. The duck flock experienced high mortality, and some displayed neurologic signs before succumbing to the disease, according to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

State and federal officials are carrying out disease protocols, including a site quarantine, proper biosecurity measures and depopulation of poultry on the premises. Officials also completed outreach to poultry owners, live bird markets and the general public, according to the NJDA.

The Warren County flock is non-commercial, agricultural officials said.

Although avian influenza usually doesn't infect people, there have been rare cases of humans getting the virus, according to the CDC. However, HPAI is highly contagious and often fatal in domestic-poultry species and can include the following signs:

• Sudden death
• Decrease in feed or water consumption
• Respiratory signs such as coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge
• Swelling around the eyes
• Open-mouth breathing
• Darkening of the comb/wattles
• Reddening of the shanks or feet
• Decreased egg production
• Lethargy

Officials confirmed the avian flu last May in a 60-bird backyard flock in Monmouth County. Last August, officials confirmed the disease in a flock in Upper Mount Bethel Township, which borders New Jersey's Warren County. The Pennsylvania infections prompted officials to establish a 10-kilometer quarantine area around the farm, which meant working to identify and notify bird owners in the surrounding area, including parts of New Jersey.

Related articles:

• Bird Flu Detected In NJ, Killing Ducks In Backyard Flock
• Avian Flu Case Puts NJ Poultry Owners On Notice

HPAI spreads through contact with bodily secretions, including feces, ocular, nasal or oral secretions from infected birds, the NJDA says. The virus can spread on objects such as vehicles, equipment and shoes. According to agricultural officials, practicing good biosecurity can help prevent the spread onto a farm, through actions including:

• Eliminating exposure of domestic birds to wild birds. Minimizing standing water and extra feed in the environment that might attract wild birds.
  
• Avoiding contact with other poultry.
• Keeping a specific set of shoes and clothing for tending to poultry. Disposable boot covers or a foot bath that is changed regularly are other measures that can be used.
• Minimizing the number of people who visit the birds.
• Avoiding sharing equipment with other flocks and using appropriate disinfectants for equipment that must come onto a farm.

Anyone with knowledge or suspicion of the disease should notify the NJDA's Division of Animal Health at 609-671-6400. Deceased birds suspected of having avian influenza should be double-bagged and stored appropriately for testing.

Don't expose dead poultry to the environment, other poultry or other wildlife, including wild birds. Wash your hands after handling sick or dead birds.